Marcus Aurelius: “How quickly all things disappear,--in the universe the bodies…”

On the recordJanuary 1, 175

How quickly all things disappear,--in the universe the bodies themselves, but in time the remembrance of them.

Said by

Marcus Aurelius

Source

In his private journal, this passage reflects on the fleeting nature of both physical existence and human memory.

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Jan 1, 175

There is one intelligent soul, though it seems to be divided.

Jan 1, 175

Depart then satisfied, for he also who releases thee is satisfied.

Jan 1, 175

There is one light of the sun, though it is interrupted by walls, mountains, and other things infinite.

Jan 1, 175

But everything else, whether it is in the power of thy will or not, is only lifeless ashes and smoke.

Other voices in this conversation

Marcus Aurelius: “How quickly all things disappear,--in the universe the bodies themselves, but in time the remembrance of them.”